America’s Beauty Show (ABS) returned to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL from April 5-7, 2025. As the largest non-profit beauty event in North America, America’s Beauty Show has been a cornerstone of education, innovation and artistry in the beauty industry for over 102 years. This year’s theme, GROW, was a reflection of the collective spirit of the beauty community, which emphasized professional and personal growth. With another record-breaking 20,000+ attendees, ABS brought together beauty professionals from across the globe to learn, network and celebrate the beauty community. Beauty Launchpad was in attendance for this year's event and is breaking down everything you missed if you weren't able to attend.
Log in to view the full article
America’s Beauty Show (ABS) returned to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL from April 5-7, 2025. As the largest non-profit beauty event in North America, America’s Beauty Show has been a cornerstone of education, innovation and artistry in the beauty industry for over 102 years. This year’s theme, GROW, was a reflection of the collective spirit of the beauty community, which emphasized professional and personal growth. With another record-breaking 20,000+ attendees, ABS brought together beauty professionals from across the globe to learn, network and celebrate the beauty community. Beauty Launchpad was in attendance for this year's event and is breaking down everything you missed if you weren't able to attend.
Beauty Brands on the Show Floor
From nails, skincare, makeup, health and wellness and, of course, hair, the America's Beauty Show exhibit hall featured the top beauty brands, showcasing their fan-favorite products and new launches.
As special occasion season draws near, styling tools become an absolute essential. Leading brands Nicky Clarke, L'Oréal Professionnel, BaBylissPRO, ERGO Styling Tools, Enzo Milano and more showcased their cutting-edge tools. Our Managing Editor Gabby Bach got her hair styled in gorgeous vintage Hollywood waves by Nicky Clarke Master Artist Drew Noreen! We also explored the impressive features of L'Oréal's Airlight Pro and BaByliss' versatile STYLE/SWITCH, proving that the latest in hairstyling technology is ready to elevate any look this season.
Hair extensions remain a cornerstone of hairstyling, and much like IBS New York, several leading extension brands took center stage at the event. Notable names included Aqua Hair Extensions, Bold Hair + Co, Cinderella Hair Extensions, Malia Extension Line and Remi Cachet.
Leading hair care brands like Malibu C, Zenagen and Hair Cuttery Brands made their presence known on the show floor and in the classrooms. As scalp health and hair care become increasingly important to clients, innovative products from these brands will remain essential—both as in-salon staples and must-haves for at-home use. 
With another record-breaking 20,000+ attendees, ABS brought together beauty professionals from across the globe to learn, network and celebrate the beauty community.Courtesy of America's Beauty Show
As the warmer weather approaches, your clients may consider a fresh hair color transformation. To help you stay prepared, Framar, Dirty Foil Co. and Quality Touch Foil showcased their premium foils and hair color tools on the show floor. Aloxxi also highlighted its exceptional range of color and lightening products.
For stylists in need of essentials and looking to wear their brand loudly, Sydney Ann Lopez (@sydneyannlopezhair) was on the show floor with The Branded Salon. To learn more about the brand's innovative capes and aprons, we stopped by the booth and chatted with Sydney! Stay tuned for our conversation by following Beauty Launchpad on Instagram (@beautylaunchpad).
Newly launched clean beauty brands also captured the interest of attendees:
A Good Ass Day showcased its sustainable, all-natural dry shampoo on the show floor, offering a better way to refresh your hair. Available in three variants—OG, Dark and Unscented—this non-aerosol, cruelty-free formula suits all hair types and colors. Plus, the product bottles are refillable, allowing users to purchase dry shampoo refill pouches and funnels to conveniently replenish their supply.
Created by Boone Whiteside and Ben Medalie, Highland does hair care better, with its high-performing, award-winning products with science-backed, earth-based ingredients that improve hair and scalp health. The brand currently has a Wash, Glacial Clay Pomade and Glacial Cream available for purchase.
Beauty Launchpad also had a presence on the show floor, recording live podcast episodes with some of the biggest names in hair in collaboration with Hairdustry! Look out for our episodes with Carlos Estrella (@los_cut_it), Sofie Pok (@staygold31) and Jacob Khan (@jacobhkan) and Ben White (@benmicahwhite), coming soon.
Show Floor Stages
You didn't have to leave the show floor to receive stellar education!
On the Barbershop Stage, Andis, Vagaro, Wahl, JRL and more leading barber brands shared insights on the latest men's hair trends, how to transform your craft and grow your clientele. Social Art House, Ulta Beauty and the Chrystofer Benson Collective (CBC) took the Runway Stage by storm with captivating main stage presentations. These dynamic showcases seamlessly fused high fashion with hair artistry, highlighting the latest trends in texture, cutting, styling and color.
Classroom Education
For more intimate education opportunities, America's Beauty Show offered 40+ CEUs and 300+ classes covering all aspects of beauty, including hair, nails, skin care, esthetics, makeup and business development. Sam Villa, Ulta Beauty, Malibu C and Olaplex each had their own dedicated classrooms, where attendees could learn 
Presley Poe styles her model's hair on-stage at L.I.V.E. 312 at Joe's Live in Rosemont.
High Energy After-Parties
The fun didn't end when the exhibit hall closed down for the night!
Following the opening day of America's Beauty Show, attendees gathered for the Cosmetologists Chicago President’s Party, an evening filled with networking and connection. The night continued at the Global Image Awards, a high-energy celebration that honored creativity, artistry and dedication in the beauty industry, recognizing both emerging and seasoned professionals for their talent and innovative work.
The official ABS Sunday Night Party, presented in collaboration with Chrystofer Benson’s CBC Productions L.I.V.E. (Local Industry Vivid Experience) 312, took place at Joe's Live and delivered an unforgettable evening of creativity and talent. This high-energy event spotlighted an impressive mix of rising Chicago talent alongside award-winning hair professionals. Co-hosted by Chrystofer and Hannah Benson, along with Sam Villa, the night featured waves of hair artists taking the stage. Each had 10 minutes to showcase their craft, captivating a packed, standing-room-only crowd with their artistry and innovation.
Stay Tuned for 2026
If you are feeling FOMO, you won't want to miss America's Beauty Show 2026, set to be held April 18-20, 2026 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. For more details, visit the America's Beauty Show website.
